…First Do No Harm

The Reimullers are portrayed as a comfortable Midwestern family. They have just bought a horse and are planning a Hawaii vacation, signaling financial security and happiness. Robbie, the youngest, fits into this warm family life as a lively, cared-for child.

Robbie suffers a sudden, unexplained fall at school, followed by a second unprovoked fall while playing with his brother. He is seen having a convulsive seizure, prompting urgent medical care.

At the local hospital, Robbie undergoes a battery of tests, including a CT scan, lumbar puncture, EEG, and blood work. No clear cause is found, and the episodes are diagnosed as epilepsy.

Robbie is started on phenobarbital, an old anticonvulsant known for cognitive and behavioral side effects. The drug's adverse effects emerge, with Robbie acting out and his functioning deteriorating, leading Lori to push for a change.

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is introduced as phenobarbital is tapered, and later carbamazepine (Tegretol) is added to the regimen. The family endures a period of adjusting medications while seizures persist.

The family discovers their health insurance is invalid and their treatment shifts to a county hospital. Dave increases his work with dangerous truckloads to cover mounting bills, and a foreclosure notice lands on their home, heightening family strain.

Robbie's epilepsy worsens and he develops a rash—Stevens–Johnson syndrome—side effects from the drugs. He is admitted again, and his care includes a padded cot to prevent escapes.

The attending neurologist, Dr. Abbasac, presents surgery as an option and outlines the invasive investigations needed to locate a seizure focus. The idea of removing the top of the skull and placing electrodes is framed as a possible last resort.

Lori begins researching epilepsy at the library and encounters the ketogenic diet as a potential treatment. A physician initially dismisses it as anecdotal evidence, creating tension over whether to pursue it.

Lori intends to transport Robbie to Johns Hopkins for the diet, but the plan stalls due to cost and logistics. She faces skepticism from the hospital and continues to press the idea, setting impossible hurdles.

Lori tries to secretly remove Robbie from the hospital and travels toward Johns Hopkins with the help of a family friend and a nurse. A prolonged convulsive seizure occurs during the flight, worrying the pilot and crew.

Upon arrival at Johns Hopkins, it becomes clear there were no available ketogenic diet slots; Dr. Freeman agrees to take Robbie on as an outpatient. Lori and Robbie stay at a convent in Baltimore while arrangements are made.

Millicent Kelly, a dietitian with a long history with the program, explains how the ketogenic diet works. Robbie begins the program with a fast to kick-start the diet, and the medical team monitors his adaptation.

Robbie's seizures begin to improve as the diet progresses and his brain function returns. The high-fat regimen is challenging for him, but he accepts it, and his seizures eventually stop.

The film closes with Robbie riding the family horse in a parade, symbolizing regained health and normalcy. Closing credits note that he continued the diet for a couple of years and remained seizure- and drug-free thereafter.